The bumper deal was a reward for a player who has plundered 20 goals already this season, despite missing the first six games through suspension.

Brazilian midfielder Lucas believes that Suarez's deal sent out a statement that the Anfield club are serious about returning to the Champions League - a competition they have been absent from for the last four years.

Lucas told the Liverpool Echo: “It showed the ambition of the club and it showed how happy Luis is here. He’s playing even better than last season and is scoring a lot of goals.

“I think we have a very good team but you can always improve and that’s what the club is trying to do in this window. In the future players will join, others will leave and hopefully we will be stronger. That’s part of football.

“Luis signing will help as everyone would love to have Luis Suarez as a team-mate. It was a massive boost for both the players and the fans."

Suarez, who joined from Ajax for around £22m three years ago, has apparently had a £70m release clause inserted into his new contract.